Cultural warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
The Wadjemup Project’s uniqueness sets it apart as it aims to be entirely Aboriginal-led, with Aboriginal governance critical to the project’s success.
The Wadjemup Project is working to deliver truth-telling, ceremony, and commemoration strategies to formally acknowledge and reconcile the Aboriginal prison history on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) (1838-1931). The project is one of Australia’s first large-scale acts of recognition related to the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal people.
The Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy released in 2021, sets out how the WA Government will direct its efforts towards a future in which all Aboriginal people, families and communities are empowered to live good lives and choose their own futures from a secure foundation. The strategy is critical to the Wadjemup Project because the principles underpin WA Government’s work in reshaping services and systems to work with culture. Additionally, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and in particular Priority Reform One, further supports these ways of working by requiring Government to acknowledge the shared decision making structures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have already developed. The Wadjemup Project has made, and is clearly delivering, on its commitment to align with this principle and work in a culturally aware and responsive way.
The Wadjemup Project is currently in Stage 1: Truth-telling and Consultation. Please note, this webpage will continue to be updated with further details as the project progresses.
